Nancy Bramlett

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher in order to infuse students with independent thinking through literature. Exposing children to different cultures and ideologies as well incorporating tolerance and compassion matters. Keeping humanity from repeating mistakes is imperative to progressing society. Without knowledge, reading, and learning, people regress. I loved Dead Poet's Society, and I wanted to inspire students and make connections with them. Seeing our future on a daily basis, inspires me to continue.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I remember early in my career, I was teaching in a very rural town in Florida called Yankeetown. I attended school there growing up. After graduating from college, I wanted to give back. I taught children who had never left the town with not a single stop light. My students all wrote short stories or poems. We went through the editing process and I published their stories in a book. They were incredibly proud. They learned their voices mattered and writing mattered.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My daughter suffers from idiopathic epilepsy. She has had 2 brain surgeries. She still graduated college and works remotely. She is the strongest person I know. My husband and I are both teachers in Florida. We have not been able to afford her all she needs. She recently was married, and I would love to help her buy a house and settle down comfortably. That money would truly help. She deserves so much and has overcome many obstacles.